Elderly and disabled family members in Illinois can be protected under a guardianship, which is the legal right to take care of and make decisions for another person. In Illinois, there are two basic categories of guardianship:
Depending on the circumstances, a ward may need a guardian of his or her person, property, or both. If the person needs both his person and property protected, the same guardian can serve in both roles.
When an elderly or disabled person requires an in-home professional caregiver or the person needs to move to a facility to receive appropriate care, they may not understand or want guardianship protection – but they may need it. A guardianship lawyer can help protect your loved one and your rights, and petition the courts to appoint you as the guardian.
A caregiver is someone who takes care of the elder or disabled person. Their legal representative is the guardian, but a guardian may assign day-to-day caregiver responsibilities to a family member or to a paid professional.
A guardianship attorney can help you to legally become a guardian and as a caregiver to protect your right to care for and make decisions on behalf of an elderly or disabled person. Illinois offers other services for caregivers through the Illinois Department of Aging’s Illinois Family Caregiver Support Program.
The goal of the program is to find resources and help for caregivers. In Illinois, 25% of families care for an elderly family member. Support for caregivers includes:
Do you have questions about legal guardianship in Illinois? Our experienced guardianship attorneys in Lombard Illinois understand applicable laws and advise you on the best options to legally care for an elderly or disabled person. To talk to a guardianship attorney contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at (630) 382-8063.
